Contact Us

For more information regarding certification in school administration, please contact the program director:Dr. Darlene McDonough
Plassmann Hall B42
St. Bonaventure University
St. Bonaventure, NY 14778
(716) 375-4026

To Apply

SCHOOL DISTRICT LEADER CERTIFICATE

The SDL Advanced Certificate program is designed for candidates seeking to become administrators at the district level (superintendents). This 12-hour program includes coursework in negotiations, superintendency, and central office leadership. NY SDL certification requires these 12 hours and 60 total graduate credits.

The SDL certificate program is also offered in a hybrid format, with some class sessions and some online work. SDL classes meet three times each semester on Saturdays, alternating by semester between the SBU Buffalo Center and the main campus in Olean.

With the permission of the program director, up to three (3) credit hours may be transferred into this program.

SDL program requirements

Admission to the program requires:

Master’s degree in education or a certification-related area, with a 3.0 GPA or better

Ph.D., Reading Education, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1996.

Dissertation title: An Interpretive History of Articles Concerning Reading in Popular Magazines, 1890‑1990

Ed.M., English Education, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1988

B.A., English, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1986

Personal Interests/Community InvolvementI am a clarinetist in the Allegany Alumni and Friends Band. This band plays traditional march and concert pieces in several concerts each year in Southwestern New York. I am currently the Allegany-Limestone Central School District School Board President.

Other EducationGraduate Assistant, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1987-1992

Professional Background

Accomplishments

Awards

Distinguished Finalist, International Reading Association’s Dissertation of the Year Award, 1997. My dissertation was named one of the seven best in the world that year.

Currently serve as co-editor of the History of Reading News, the only publication dedicated exclusively to the history of literacy.

Editorial Boards

I serve on the Editorial Boards of The Reading Teacher and The Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy.

Publications/Presentations

I have published over 20 articles and presented at 10 national and international conferences.

Teaching PhilosophyI believe that we learn to teach through having a thorough understanding of educational theory, that those theories inform methods, and that those methods must be practiced in order to be effective. This theory into practice model is how I structure my teaching life.

Current Research Interests/Projects

I am very involved in the history of literacy, and most of my research revolves around that area of study. The main project that I am working on now deals with a biography of Dr. Frank Laubach, a pioneer of international literacy whose “Each One Teach One” method of instruction was used as a model for UNESCO’s literacy efforts.

I am also starting some research on the impact of the Freedmen’s Bureau on the teaching of freed slaves literacy after the Civil War.